In year 12, when you’re spending five days a week (at least) in the bubble of VCE, it’s easy to lose perspective of the bigger purpose, i.e. the vast future that lies ahead of you at the other side of a gruelling year. So when August comes around, and suddenly you’re forced to confront the all-important university course preferences decision, it can be a bit overwhelming.
I’m going to confess that I made a rash decision in my VTAC preferences that I now regret as an adult and university graduate. While my bad decision certainly had some silver linings for my career, I'm going to share some tips with you so you can save yourself the suffering.
Know exactly what the Courses are
Students are often met with a rude shock when they find out that the course they chose isn’t quite nearly as peachy in real life. So it is in your best interest to do thorough research, and really understand the course that you are giving that coveted #1 position on your list.
In my case, I thought studying for my SACs should take precedence over attending university open days, but believe me, in the scheme of things, losing a couple of SAC marks is nothing compared to the consequences of choosing the wrong career. So attend the open days, read the course guides, and get multiple opinions in addition to what your school career counsellor says.
Try volunteering, work experience, or whatever opportunities you have to get a taste of the field you’re hoping to work in some day to get a better feel of whether it’s really right for you.
High minimum ATAR is not indicative of high employability or happiness
Another pitfall of mine: ordering my course preferences in descending order of minimum ATAR. It’s a common misconception among students that the courses with the highest ATAR requirements will lead to the highest-income and most fulfilling jobs.
The reality is far from that. While the high-ATAR courses generally do lead to relatively lucrative careers, that can come at a great cost to many students, particularly those who aren’t suited to that type of work. Careers like medicine, law and dentistry are very demanding and stressful in completely different ways to the stress of year 12.
Before deciding to go down any of those paths, I would highly recommend getting a reality check from current students of those courses, and if possible from junior doctors/lawyers/dentists working in the field and living the realities that you should be aware of before making your decision.
University name is NOT everything
While US teen dramas are notorious for showing student after student jumping through hoops to win that coveted spot at Harvard or Yale, the same doesn’t necessarily apply to Australia.
Here, the university course structures are generally completely different, as is the job market, so a university's reputation does not carry that much weight. When it comes to VTAC, pick the course, not the university.
If you’re qualified to do the job you want to do, and have the necessary skills that your uni degree teaches you, whether the degree came from Monash vs. RMIT vs. La Trobe certainly won’t be the first consideration for a prospective employer down the track.
Do not Neglect your other Preferences
Of course, every student should work towards their first preference course. However, being too blindly focused on preference #1 is not a good idea.
In the unfortunately circumstance that you do not get your first choice, the offer you get is from preferences #2 or #3. So it is important that those subsequent preferences are also courses that you’ve put some thought into and would be suited to studying.
So, at those open days, do not just take one brochure or speak to one lecturer from one faculty. Open your mind, and who knows, perhaps in searching for your back-up plan, you might find something that ends up being your new first choice and the right career for you.
Conclusion
As I and many former year 12 VCE students have learned, VTAC preferences aren’t easy. But remember that your decision does not determine your whole life. Do your research and some soul-searching beyond numbers and metrics, make an informed decision, and deal with the rest when it comes your way. Consider booking in a free 30-minute study skills consultation to discuss the best approach to preferences for your individual needs.
For more university and study tips, check out these articles:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
How do I even begin to Choose the right University?
- Begin by identifying what you want to study, then shortlist universities offering strong programs and resources in that area.
- Consider your willingness (and ability) to move away from home, and factor in location, transport, and living costs.
- Make use of comparison tools, reviews, and course search sites to see entry requirements, scholarships, and campus culture.
How do I compare Universities and Courses?
- Use official comparison tools (Course Seeker, UniMatch, university open days, reviews, and social media).
- Compare course content, electives, and assessment style between universities.
- Check graduate outcomes in your chosen field.
Any more tips on making my final decision?
- List your priorities (subject strength, campus location, affordability, employability, lifestyle).
- Speak to current students or alumni for real-life insights.
- Don’t rush your decision; research widely, attend events, and trust your personal fit and instincts.
- Remember that this is not a make-or-break decision. If you decide you want to change courses or universities, you can absolutely still do that!
Written by Dee Tomic who completed her PhD in epidemiology with Monash University.
